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Botev Plovdiv vs Arda Kardzhali

12 May 2026 at 18:15Stadion Hristo Botev, Plovdiv

Match Summary

Arda Kardzhali defeated Botev Plovdiv 2:1. The match was played in First League 2025. Goals were scored by C. Huseynov 61′, C. Meotti 68′, C. Huseynov 70′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Botev Plovdiv made 4 substitutions, Arda Kardzhali made 4.

Match Events

Key match events between Botev Plovdiv and Arda Kardzhali — 3 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.

Lineups

Botev Plovdiv lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Lacezar Baltanov, while Arda Kardzhali deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Blagov Tunchev Aleksander.

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Botev Plovdiv is 6.87, compared to 6.98 for Arda Kardzhali. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Botev Plovdiv's highest-rated starter is W. Chimezie (7.08), while Arda Kardzhali's best-rated player is A. Gospodinov (7.23).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Botev Plovdiv have contributed 10 goals and 3 assists this season, led by Mascote (7G). Arda Kardzhali's starters account for 11 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by D. Velkovski (3G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.

Defensive Solidity

Botev Plovdiv deploy 3 defenders rated 6.76 on average, against Arda Kardzhali's 4-man backline averaging 7.02. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.

Midfield Control

Botev Plovdiv field 5 midfielders averaging 6.81, versus Arda Kardzhali's 5 rated 6.93. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.

Forward Threat

Botev Plovdiv start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.04, compared to 1 for Arda Kardzhali averaging 6.79. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.

Passing & Build-Up

Passing accuracy averages 81% for Botev Plovdiv and 80% for Arda Kardzhali. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.

Discipline

Botev Plovdiv's starters have collected 21 yellow cards this season, compared to 41 for Arda Kardzhali. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.

Age & Experience

The average age of Botev Plovdiv's starting XI is 25.3 (youngest: W. Chimezie (19), oldest: A. Conte (31)), while Arda Kardzhali average 27.5 (youngest: W. Samake (21), oldest: P. Krachunov (36)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.

Squad Depth

Botev Plovdiv's starters average 18 league appearances each, versus 26 for Arda Kardzhali. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.

Botev Plovdiv4-2-3-14-2-3-1Arda Kardzhali
GKDEFMIDFWD
29Naumov19Conte87Petrov42Videv27Hein14Algarra45Silva88Chimezie7Iliev90Kalu30Mascote1Gospodi.93Eboa6Krachun.4Idowu35Velkovs.18Huseynov80Kotev8Kabov20Yusein11Shinyas.30Samake

Substitutes

Coach: Lacezar Baltanov

Substitutes

Coach: Blagov Tunchev Aleksander

Botev PlovdivPosition StrengthArda Kardzhali
6.87
Avg Rating
6.98
7.05Goalkeeper (1 v 1)7.23
0G 0A0G 0A
6.76Defender (3 v 4)7.02
0G 0A4G 0A
6.81Midfielder (5 v 5)6.93
3G 3A5G 9A
7.04Forward (2 v 1)6.79
7G 0A2G 0A
Botev Plovdiv4-2-3-1
29GoalkeeperD. Naumov7.0
19DefenderA. Conte6.9
87DefenderS. Petrov6.8
27DefenderB. Hein6.6
42MidfielderI. Videv
14MidfielderC. Algarra7.01G
45MidfielderE. Martinho da Silva
7MidfielderN. Iliev6.52A
90MidfielderS. Kalu7.02G1A
88ForwardW. Chimezie7.1
30ForwardMascote7.07G
Arda Kardzhali4-2-3-1
1GoalkeeperA. Gospodinov7.2
93DefenderF. Eboa7.11G
6DefenderP. Krachunov7.0
35DefenderD. Velkovski7.03G
18DefenderC. Huseynov7.0
4MidfielderD. Idowu6.51G
80MidfielderL. Kotev7.24A
8MidfielderA. Kabov6.91G2A
20MidfielderS. Yusein7.01G1A
11MidfielderA. Shinyashiki7.12G2A
30ForwardW. Samake6.82G

Rivalry since 2019

Botev Plovdiv vs Arda Kardzhali Head to Head Results· 20

Botev Plovdiv and Arda Kardzhali have met 20 times — Botev Plovdiv won 4, Arda Kardzhali won 12, with 4 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Arda Kardzhali leads the head-to-head with 12 victories from 20 meetings. A combined 44 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.20 per match (15 for the home side, 29 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 7 matches (35%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 7 games (35%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–5 in 2025.

Drawn
4
·
Total goals
44 · 2.2/match
Both scored
7/20 · 35%
Over 2.5
7/20 · 35%

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Highest-scoring game: 05 v 2025

Recent Form

WWonDDrawnLLost

In their last 6 matches, Botev Plovdiv have recorded 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats. Arda Kardzhali show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.

Match Prediction

Predicted winnerArda Kardzhali

Botev Plovdiv

10%

Home win

 

45%

Draw

Arda Kardzhali

45%

Away win

Statistical tip

Combo Double chance : draw or Arda Kardzhali and -3.5 goals

64%Form36%
86%Attack14%
50%Defence50%
30%Goals70%
38%Head-to-head62%
51.5%Overall48.5%

Bookmaker Odds

13 bookmakers

Best price

Botev Plovdiv

2.70

Marathonbet

Draw

3.30

BetVictor

Arda Kardzhali

3.05

Unibet

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 17 May 2026